Safari Overview

Traverse the wonderfully wild Congo in search of lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, forest buffalo and even maybe a bongo. Rich in wildlife, here you will embark on a true adventure – and perhaps even enjoy a spot of catch-and-release fishing.

What makes this trip extraordinary

Track western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.

Opportunity to spend time with primatologists Dr Magda Bermejo and German Illera and see the important research work they are carrying out.

Night walks in the forest searching for unusual nocturnal primates such as galagos and pottos.

Enjoy a pirogue trip downstream along the Lekoli River.

Discover the rugged beauty of the Republic of Congo, seeking out the country's wonderful wildlife and getting to know it's unique history and culture.

Experience this trip with footage shot on the ground by nws

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive Brazzaville

Upon your arrival into Maya Maya International Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville, you are met and transferred to your hotel for the night. Here, you have the chance to relax after your flight and before the adventures of the next days. Depending on your arrival time into Brazzaville, there is an option for a city tour in the afternoon.

Day 2

Brazzaville - Ngaga Camp

Board the scheduled light aircraft flight today from Brazzaville to Ngaga Camp to begin your lowland gorilla safari. Upon arrival you will be greeted with cold towels and a welcome drink before checking in and enjoying lunch. Get to know your group before setting out on a forest walk with your guide on hand to point out various local species of flora and fauna. Back at camp you will meet the gorilla research team who will tell you all about the work they are undertaking here which will be sure to build your excitement for your upcoming gorilla treks. Dine on a three-course meal before retiring your room in preparation of your early start the next day.

Gorilla Trek and Forest Walk

Wake at dawn to begin your day with a light breakfast before setting off at 6am for your first gorilla trek. Meet your guide and expert tracker who will accompany you for the day. Depending on the location of the gorillas, treks can vary in length from just two hours to a full day. Once you locate the gorillas enjoy the moment and quietly capture these incredible creatures on camera. Head back to Ngaga Camp for lunch. In the afternoon take a guided walk to discover the forest life and birdlife ending at the river for sun downers. Finish your evening with drinks around the fire and another three-course meal.

Final Gorilla Trek and Nocturnal Walk

Today, wake early again for another gorilla trek. Where possible the team will try to locate a different family group of gorillas, however, even if you see the same group again the experience will be mesmerising. Take time to step away from the camera to truly take in the moment. In the afternoon you will have chance to experience another forest walk with an expert guide you will keep an eye out for unique birds and primates. Forest walk extends into the evening to seek out nocturnal forest life. Back at camp, enjoy drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers and discuss the events of the day.

Ngaga Camp - Village Visit - Mboko Camp

Enjoy a relaxed morning in camp, with optional 3rd gorilla trek (additional cost of $285). Late morning transfer around 2.5 hours by road to Mboko Camp. Stop in at Mbomo village for some Sunday village life before arriving at the camp and settling in in time for lunch. In the afternoon get ready to for your boat safari along the Lekoli River. Look out for unique species during your trip such as forest elephants, buffalo, sitatunga and a range of primates. Head back to camp for dinner.

Mboko Camp - Lango Camp

After an early breakfast again watching to see what animals make an appearance, set out for a kayaking excursion on the Lekoli River. Keep your eyes peeled for forest buffalo and colobus monkeys as you gently drift down the down the river. Parking your kayak on the banks set off on a walk through the forest where you rendezvous with your guide and for a short game drive to camp. Your luggage will have an adventure of its own, transported by porters, just like the explores of olden days. Arrive in camp for lunch and afternoon at leisure watching from your vantage point out into the marshy bai in front of camp which attracts huge flocks of African green pigeon and African grey parrots, and at night, forest elephants.

Lango Bai

Today is your chance to explore the area surrounding Lango Camp. Head out to the Bais on foot and enjoy close encounters with wildlife such as forest elephants. Back to Lango Camp for lunch before choosing to either relax at camp or head out on an adventure walk. Back at the lodge join the research team for an evening presentation on what has been snapped on the camera traps.

Lango Camp - Mboko Camp

Early breakfast in camp, savouring the sun rise over the primeval forest,. Look out for the multitude of resident bird species that make this forest their home, nearly 2560 species are found here due to the diverse array of pristine habitats this area offers. Game drive transfer followed by raised wooden path walk through swamp back to Mboko Camp which will be your home for you last night in Odzala- Kokoua, your luggage again following on behind you. Add to your birding count or seek out red river hog and harnessed bushbuck which are regularly seen around camp. After lunch you have the option of a river cruise on the Lekoli River or final walk adventure walk in the Likeni River.

Mboko Camp - Brazzaville - Depart

This morning enjoy an early morning breakfast at the camp before check out. You will be driven back to the airstrip for your flight back to Brazzaville. Upon arrival in Brazzaville you will be met and assisted with connecting with your onward flight home.

Trip Details

Trip INFORMATION

Despite being tailor-made, this safari can only depart from Brazzaville on fixed Thursdays and Mondays throughout the year. While we highly recommend this 9-day expedition for a full immersion into this extraordinary destination, if you are short of time consider the shorter 5-day lowland gorilla safari from £5,220 per person sharing.

Trip Dates and Prices

Prices from 1 January 2019 – 31 March 2020 are from £6,980 per person sharing and from £10,840 for solo travellers. Please note that gorilla permits are not included in the price of this safari, and will cost an additional £530 for two permits.

Solo travellers are able to save over £2,600 when booking this trip. By departing on the first Thursday of every month, you can board Ngaga Camp's supply plane and avoid the standard flight surcharge that must be paid on trips departing on other dates.

Those travelling in November or December 2019 can save 50% on their round-trip flights between Brazzaville and Odzala-Kokoua National Park (minimum 2 passengers per booking). This equates to a saving of £700 per person.